Use of Tazorac
Tazorac is the brand name for a prescription medication used for the treatment of acne. It is a topical medicine that comes in both gel and cream forms. It is classified as being a retinoid, as well as a prodrug. Prodrugs are types of medicines that, when supplied, are chemically inactive and turn active upon entry inside of the body. The active ingredient of this medication is tazarotene. Once tazarotene goes into the skin, it transforms into tazarotenic acid.
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Types of Acne
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Tazorac is a topical medication intended to fight even the most persistent and stubborn acne. Tazorac can help to reduce and eliminate blackheads, whiteheads, pus-filled pimples and red pimples.
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Use
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This topical medication is generally used once a day, before bedtime at night. It should be applied exactly how the physician says. Before applying a thin layer of the medication to the face, the face must first be thoroughly cleansed and dried (which should take about half an hour). Make sure to not apply the cream or gel to parts of the face that are unaffected by acne.
Side Effects
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Like with most medications, Tazorac can cause some side effects. Severe side effects are unlikely, however. Some possible (and usually minor) side effects of this medication include tingling, warmth, stinging, burning, irritation, peeling, swelling, itching, and redness of the skin. If these side effects are particularly problematic or long-lasting, you need to inform your doctor. If you experience any serious allergic reactions to Tazorac, you need to seek emergency medical attention. Some signs of allergic reaction include the throat closing up, shortness of breath, breaking out into hives, and swelling.
Overdose
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You should only use your recommended prescribed amount of this topical medicine. If you fear that you might have used too much Tazorac, it is likely that you have overdosed. You need to seek immediately medical help in case of overdose. Some symptoms of Tazorac overdose are severe peeling, redness or discomfort where the medication was applied on the skin.
Other Uses
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Tazorac is generally used to treat acne, but is also used to treat a skin condition known as plaque psoriasis, which is the most common type of psoriasis. This condition is characterized by redness of the skin, accompanied by inflammation and scales that are silvery in color. Tazorac also assists with the renewal of the complexion, and helps to enhance both its texture and appearance.
References
- Photo Credit "Karissa" is Copyrighted by Flickr user: Tina Keller (Tina Keller) under the Creative Commons Attribution license.